Marking System for a Sports Implement

ABSTRACT

A marking system for a baseball bat includes a bat including a barrel extending along a central longitudinal axis, the barrel defining a minimal vibration region. The marking system also includes a sheet having a first edge, a second edge positioned opposite the first edge, a third edge positioned between the first and the second edges, and a fourth edge positioned opposite the third edge, the first edge having a first curvature and the second edge having a second curvature, the sheet adapted to at least partially encircle a portion of the barrel of the bat. Additionally, a first positioning feature is disposed on the sheet, and a first alignment feature is disposed proximate the first edge of the sheet. Furthermore, the first positioning feature may be configured to be positioned adjacent to at least a portion of the minimal vibration region.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Priority is claimed to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63/292,874, filed Dec. 22, 2021, and the entire contents thereof arehereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to marking a sports implement and, moreparticularly, to marking systems to identify a minimum vibration regionof a baseball bat.

BACKGROUND

Generally, baseball bats and other sports implements are swung to strikea ball or similar object. Such sports implements oftentimes have a sweetspot or region therealong that generates a more powerful strike with theobject. When the ball strikes the sports implement in the sweet spot,the user may experience fewer unpleasant, stinging vibrations throughthe sports implement. Typically, variations of baseball bats and othersports implements result in a unique and/or different location of thesweet spot due to material variances of the sports implement. Forexample, wooden bats are made from a natural material that results insmall variations that can cause the precise sweet spot to be in slightlydifferent areas along the length of the barrel. Further, sportsimplements having more uniform construction (e.g., metal bats) may stillhave different sweet spot locations due to manufacturing variances.

The present disclosure sets forth marking systems and correspondingapproaches embodying advantageous alternatives to existing systemsapproaches, and that may address one or more of the challenges or needsmentioned herein.

SUMMARY

In accordance with a first approach, a marking system for a baseball batincludes a bat having a barrel extending along a central longitudinalaxis. The barrel defines a minimal vibration region. The marking systemalso includes a sheet having a first edge, a second edge positionedopposite the first edge, a third edge positioned between the first andthe second edges, and a fourth edge positioned opposite the third edge.The first edge has a first curvature and the second edge has a secondcurvature. The marking system includes the sheet adapted to at leastpartially encircle a portion of the barrel of the bat. Additionally, themarking system includes a first positioning feature disposed on thesheet, and a first alignment feature disposed proximate the first edgeof the sheet. Furthermore, the first positioning feature is configuredto be positioned adjacent to at least a portion of the minimal vibrationregion.

In some of these examples, the marking system may include a secondalignment feature disposed proximate the second edge opposite the firstalignment feature. Further, in some examples, the marking system mayinclude a sheet axis disposed through at least two of the firstpositioning feature, the first alignment feature or the second alignmentfeature. The sheet axis may be positioned parallel to the centrallongitudinal axis of the barrel upon at least partially encircling aportion thereof.

In some forms, the first curvature may be different than the secondcurvature. In some of these examples, the first curvature may be greaterthan the second curvature.

In some examples, the sheet may include an adhesive to selectivelysecure the sheet with the bat.

In some examples, the first positioning feature may be die-cut in thesheet. Further, the first positioning feature may be centrally disposedon the sheet.

In accordance with a second approach, a sheet for identifying a minimalvibration region of a sports implement includes a sheet having a firstedge, second edge, third edge, and a fourth edge. The sheet includes afirst indicia disposed on the sheet and a second indicia disposed on thesheet, proximate the first edge of the sheet.

In accordance with a third approach, a marking system for a baseball batincludes a bat having an elongated body. The bat defines at least afirst vibratory node and a second vibratory node. The marking systemadditionally includes a sheet having a first edge, second edge, thirdedge, and a fourth edge, wherein the first edge has a first curvatureand the second edge has a second curvature. Additionally, a firstpositioning feature is disposed on the sheet and a first alignmentfeature is disposed proximate the first edge of the sheet. Further, thefirst positioning feature is configured to be disposed between the firstvibratory node and the second vibratory node.

In accordance with a fourth approach, a marking system for a baseballbat, includes a bat having a first end including a barrel extendingalong a central longitudinal axis and a second end including a knob.Additionally, the barrel defines a minimal vibration region.Furthermore, the marking system includes a sheet having a first edge, asecond edge positioned opposite the first edge, a third edge positionedbetween the first and the second edges, and a fourth edge positionedopposite the third edge, the first edge having a first curvature and thesecond edge having a second curvature. The sheet may also be adapted tocouple with the barrel of the bat such that the first edge is positionedtowards the first end of the bat and the second edge is positionedtowards the second end of the bat. Additionally, a first positioningfeature is disposed on the sheet and a first alignment feature isdisposed proximate the first edge of the sheet. Furthermore, the firstpositioning feature is configured to be positioned adjacent to at leasta portion of the minimal vibration region.

In accordance with a fifth approach, a sheet for identifying contactwith minimal vibration region of a sports implement includes a sheethaving a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge. Themarking system can include a first positioning feature disposed on thesheet and a first alignment feature disposed on the sheet, proximate thefirst edge of the sheet. The sheet also includes a pressure sensitivematerial configured to change coloration when subjected to an externalpressure.

In accordance with a sixth approach, a method of marking a minimalvibration region of a baseball bat includes providing a sheet having afirst edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge. The sheetincludes a first positioning feature, a first alignment feature, and asecond alignment feature. Additionally, the method includes identifyinga minimal vibration region of the baseball bat disposed along a centrallongitudinal axis of the baseball bat. The method may also includerotating the sheet such that the longitudinal axis is aligned with thefirst alignment feature and the second alignment feature. The methodfurther includes securing, via an adhesive, the sheet to the baseballbat over at least a portion of the minimal vibration region such thatthe minimal vibration region is disposed between the first edge and thesecond edge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above needs are at least partially met through provision of themarking system described in the following detailed description,particularly when studied in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a baseball bat including a markingsystem in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a first example of the marking system of FIG.1 in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the first example of the marking system asapplied to a baseball bat in accordance with the teachings of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a second example marking system having atleast one curved edge in accordance with the teachings of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the second example marking system of FIG. 4 asapplied to a baseball bat in accordance with the teachings of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the second example marking system of FIGS. 4 &5 as applied to a baseball bat in accordance with the teachings of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a baseball bat including a markingsystem including a pressure sensitive material in accordance with theteachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a first vibratory node and a secondvibratory node defining a minimum vibration region in accordance withthe teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a second diagram showing the vibration characteristic of anexample baseball bat in accordance with the teachings of the presentdisclosure.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures areillustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily beendrawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioningof some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative toother elements to help to improve understanding of various embodimentsof the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements thatare useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are oftennot depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of thesevarious embodiments. It will further be appreciated that certain actionsand/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order ofoccurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that suchspecificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It willalso be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have theordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressionsby persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above exceptwhere different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Generally speaking, the present disclosure is directed to identifyingand marking a desirable contact region on a sports implement. Morespecifically, in some examples, baseball batters aim to hit a baseballin the sweet spot of a baseball bat. Successfully hitting the sweet spotwith the baseball may increase the distance the baseball travels.Additionally, contacting the sweet spot reduces a risk of potentiallypainful vibration passing through the baseball bat. As a result, it isbeneficial for batters to practice swinging in a manner that causes thebaseball to contact the sweet spot.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example baseball bat 100 defining a barrel 102having a first end 104 and a second end 106 including a knob 108. Thebat 100 further includes a marking system 130 disposed along a length ofthe barrel 102 proximate to or generally near the first end 104.

The barrel 102 of the bat 100 defines a central longitudinal axis 120.Further, the barrel 102 of the bat 100 defines a minimum vibrationregion 122 (sometimes referred to as the sweet-spot). In some examples,the minimum vibration region 122 is disposed proximate to or near thefirst end 104. In most bats, the minimum vibration region 122 isdisposed approximately 6 to 7 inches (in) (approximately 17 centimeters(cm)) from the first end 104 of the bat 100. For various reasons, it ispreferable for a ball to strike the barrel 102 in the minimum vibrationregion 122. For example, when a ball strikes in the minimum vibrationregion 122, there is little or no painful stinging vibration that passesthrough the bat to the user. Further, it is believed that a ball thathits the bat 100 in the minimum vibration region 122 travels furtherbecause that strike is more efficient than when the ball hits elsewherealong the barrel 102 of the bat 100.

With brief reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 , the bat 100 has a vibrationcharacteristic 800 that is unique to a particular bat 100 (yet similaramongst all bats). The vibration characteristic of a baseball bat issimilar regardless of the material used (e.g., wood, metal, composite,etc.). The vibration characteristic 800 includes a first vibratory node802 and a second vibratory node 804 defining a minimum vibration region810, typically related to the center of percussion (COP) of the baseballbat. In accordance with the teachings of this disclosure, a person firstidentifies the minimal vibration region 810 of the baseball bat 100. Insome examples, this process my include loosely holding and dangling thebaseball bat 100 at the knob 108 disposed on the second end 106, orproximate where the batter would grip the bat (approximately six inchesfrom the second end 106 of the bat 100), and tapping near the first end104 of the baseball bat 100 with a hard or inflexible object to causethe bat to vibrate after impact. A user taps various points along thelength of the barrel 120 until a minimum vibration region 122, 810 isdetected based on the vibrations experienced by the person while holdingthe bat. The user may then mark this region with a pen, pencil, sticker,or other suitable object. In some examples, a user may apply a scratchor indentation to the bat 100 at this region to indicate its location.

As illustrated in FIG. 9 , the vibration characteristic 800 includes afirst vibration mode 902 and a second vibration mode 904. The firstvibratory node 802 corresponds with a first vibration mode 902 and thesecond vibratory node 804 corresponds to a second vibration mode 904.Further, the first vibration mode 902 and the second vibration mode 904account for holding the bat with a first hand 910 a and a second hand910 b. The first vibration mode 902 includes a first vibration node 920,a second vibration node 922, and a third vibration node 924 while thesecond vibration mode 904 includes a first vibration node 930 and asecond vibration node 932. As shown, the vibration nodes 920, 922, 924do not deviate from the longitudinal axis of the bat in the firstvibration mode 902 and the vibration nodes 930, 932 do not deviate fromthe second vibration mode 904. Each vibration mode 902, 904 vibrates ata different frequency. For example, the first vibration mode 902 mayvibrate between 450 hertz and 500 hertz (Hz) while the second vibrationmode 904 may vibrate between 100 Hz and 150 Hz. Other examples arepossible.

FIG. 2 illustrates a first example marking system 130 as illustrated inFIG. 1 . In this example, the marking system 130 includes a sheet 132.The sheet 132 includes a first edge 134, a second edge 136, a third edge138, and a fourth edge 140. As illustrated, the first edge 134 isopposite the second edge 136. Additionally, the third edge 138 isopposite the fourth edge 140, and both the third edge 138 and the fourthedge 140 are disposed between the first edge 134 and the second edge136. In various embodiments, the first edge 134 and the second edge 136perpendicular to the third edge 138 and the fourth edge 140. Otherarrangements are possible.

As illustrated, the sheet 132 includes a length 152, a height 154, and afirst positioning feature 156 (sometimes referred to as a first indicia)having a height 158. In some examples, the length 152 is configured tobe approximately equal to the circumference of a sports implement (e.g.,the baseball bat 100). For example, the length 152 may be approximately8.5 in to approximately 9.5 in (21 cm to 24 cm). Additionally, theheight 154 may be approximately 1 in to approximately 3 in (2.5 cm to 8cm). Further, the first positioning feature 156 has a height 158 betweenapproximately 0.5 in to approximately 1.5 in (1.5 cm to 4 cm).

In accordance with the teachings of this disclosure, the sheet 200includes a first alignment feature 160 (sometimes referred to as asecond indicia) disposed proximate the first edge 134 of the sheet 132.Additionally, the sheet 132 includes a second alignment feature 162(sometimes referred to as a third indicia) disposed proximate the secondedge 136 and opposite the first alignment feature 160. Further, a sheetaxis 164 is disposed between the first alignment feature 160 and thesecond alignment feature 162, the sheet axis 164 being perpendicular tothe first edge 134 and the second edge 136. When the sheet 132 isdisposed on the bat 100 (as shown, for example, in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 ),the sheet axis 164 is positioned parallel to the central longitudinalaxis 120 of the barrel 102 upon at least partially encircling a portionof the barrel 102.

Notably, the sheet 132 is constructed from a material having a visualcharacteristic that is different from that of the bat 100. Morespecifically, in some examples, the sheet may be a solid color thatcreates a visual contrast with the barrel of the bat 100 when coupledtherewith. While the illustrated figures depict a sheet having agenerally solid color, other configurations such as, for example,patterns are possible. In various examples, the configuration andcoloring of the lines are arranged to maximize optical identification,even during a swing. Further, the colors and configuration may allow foroptical identification for individuals who are color blind. As shown inFIG. 2 , the sheet 132 includes a primary visual characteristicillustrated as the positioning 156 which is accented by the secondaryvisual characteristics 170 a, 170 b. The secondary visualcharacteristics 170 a, 170 b result in enhanced optical targeting for abatter's eye to track the sweet spot of the baseball bat 100.

FIG. 3 provides a view of the example marking system 130 as applied tothe baseball bat 100 of FIG. 1 . The sheet 132 of the marking system 130includes an adhesive (not shown) to secure the sheet 132 to the bat 100.In some examples, the third edge 138 is secured with an adhesive to thefourth edge 140. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 3 , the centrallongitudinal axis 120 of the bat 100 is parallel with the sheet axis164.

The sheet axis 164 is aligned with and parallel to the longitudinal axis120. A user placing the sheet 132 on the baseball bat 100 may firstposition the first positioning feature 156 adjacent to thepreviously-identified minimum vibration region 122. Then, the user canrotate the sheet 132 to align the first alignment feature 160 and thesecond alignment feature 162 with the longitudinal axis 120 of thebaseball bat 100. Once the sheet axis 164 is aligned with thelongitudinal axis 120 of the baseball bat 100, the sheet 132 may then becoupled with the baseball bat 100 via, for example, an adhesivematerial. In some examples, the adhesive may be in the form of a glue, alayer of film, a hot melt adhesive, and the like. Other examples arepossible.

Turning now to FIG. 4 , a second example marking system 430. As shown inFIG. 4 , the marking system 430 also includes a sheet 432. The sheet 432may have similar dimensions to the sheet 132 described in connectionwith FIG. 2 . As shown in FIG. 4 , similar features between the markingsystem will have the same two digit suffixes, and as such, may not bediscussed in substantial detail.

The sheet 432 includes a first edge 434, a second edge 436, a third edge438, and a fourth edge 440. As illustrated in FIG. 4 , the first edge434 is disposed opposite the second edge 436 and the third edge 438 isopposite the fourth edge 440. The third edge 438 and the fourth edge 440are disposed between the first edge 434 and the second edge 436.Furthermore, in this example, the first edge 434 has a first curvature442 and the second edge 436 has a second curvature 444. In someapproaches, the first curvature 442 is different than the secondcurvature 444. For example, the first curvature 442 is larger than thesecond curvature 444. The first curvature 442 corresponds with thelarger circumference of the barrel 102 of the baseball bat 100 in thedirection towards the first end 104 and the second curvature 444corresponds with the smaller circumference of the baseball bat barrelcloser to the second end 106.

To secure the marking system 430 correctly to the baseball bat 100, thesheet 432 includes a first alignment feature 460 (sometimes referred toas a second indicia) disposed proximate the first edge 434 of the sheet432. The sheet 432 additionally includes a second alignment feature 462(sometimes referred to as a third indicia) disposed proximate the secondedge 434 and opposite the first alignment feature 460. Furthermore, themarking system 430 includes a first positioning feature 456 (sometimesreferred to as a first indicia) centrally disposed on the sheet 432between the first and second alignment features 460, 462. In theillustrated example, the first positioning feature 456 is in the form ofan opening or a hole formed through the sheet 432. However, otherexamples such as a clear region are possible. As illustrated, the sheet432 includes a sheet axis 464 disposed through at least two of the firstpositioning feature 456, the first alignment feature 460, or the secondalignment feature 462. Notably, the sheet axis 464 is positionedparallel to the central longitudinal axis 120 of the barrel upon atleast partially encircling a portion thereof.

In various examples, the first alignment feature 460 and the secondalignment feature 462 are die cut in the sheet 432. Additionally oralternatively, the first positioning feature 456 is die-cut in the sheet432. In other embodiments, the first alignment feature 460, secondalignment feature 462, and/or the positioning feature 456 can be madeprinted on the sheet 432, made of a transparent material, or embossed onthe sheet.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the marking system 430 as applied to thebaseball bat 100. In some embodiments, the sheet 432 includes anadhesive (not shown) to secure the sheet 432 to the baseball bat 100.Additionally or alternatively, the sheet 432 includes an adhesive thatsecures at least the third edge 438 to the fourth edge 440 such that thethird edge 438 overlaps the fourth edge 440.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the sheet axis 464 is aligned with and parallel tothe longitudinal axis 120. A user placing the sheet 432 on the baseballbat 100 can first position the first positioning feature 456 adjacentthe previously-identified minimum vibration region 122. Then, the usercan rotate the sheet 432 to align the first alignment feature 460 andthe second alignment feature 462 with the longitudinal axis 120 of thebaseball bat 100. Once the sheet axis 464 is aligned with thelongitudinal axis 120, a user may secure the sheet 432 to the baseballbat 100 via, for example, an adhesive.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the second embodiment of the marking system 430as applied to the baseball bat 100. Securing the sheet 432 to thebaseball bat 100 includes wrapping the sheet 432 around the barrel 102such that the third edge 438 and the fourth edge 440 (not shown in FIG.6 ) overlap. Further, as shown in FIG. 6 , because the first curvature442 is different than the second curvature 444, the third edge 438 isaligned with the fourth edge 440. Notably, the first and secondcurvatures 442, 444 allow the sheet 432 to be wrapped around the barrel102 in a manner that the sheet 432 is generally arranged perpendicularto the longitudinal axis 120 of the bat 100.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a baseball bat 100 including a markingsystem 730 in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosureincluding a sheet 732 having a pressure sensitive material 733. Asillustrated, the sheet 732 is disposed on the barrel 102 of the bat 100.The pressure sensitive material 733 responds to pressure such that thepressure sensitive material 733 can identify whether a baseball struckthe pressure sensitive material 733 during a bat swing. As illustratedin FIG. 7 , the pressure sensitive material 733 includes an examplebaseball impact 735. Such an arrangement may assist a user with readilyidentifying whether their swing and swing form resulted in desirablecontact with the bat 100.

In accordance with the teachings of this disclosure, the pressuresensitive material 733 can be any material capable of identifying wherethe baseball made contact with the sheet 732 during a bat swing. In oneexample, the a pressure sensitive material 733 is configured to changecoloration when subjected to pressure, and may include amechanochromatic material or polymer. A mechanochromatic material(alternatively referred to as a piezochromatic material) is a materialthat changes color and/or other visual characteristic when subjected tomechanical stress. Alternatively, the pressure sensitive material may bein the form of a malleable material, such as a lightweight clay or puttythat deforms when subjected to an external pressure and/or force.

Once the minimum vibration region 122 is identified, the user may placethe marking system 130, 430, 730 within the minimum vibration region122. In some examples, the user may dispose one of the first positioningfeatures (e.g., first positioning feature 424) in the minimum vibrationregion 810. After placing the marking system 130, 430, 730, the userthen rotates the sheet 132, 432, 732 such that the central longitudinalaxis 120 of the baseball bat 100 is aligned with the first alignmentfeature 160, 460 and the second alignment feature 162, 462. Last, theuser may secure the sheet 132, 432, 732 to the baseball bat over theminimal vibration region 122. When the sheet 132, 432, 732 is properlysecured to the baseball bat 100, the minimal vibration region 122 isdisposed between the first edge 134, 434, 734 and the second edge 136,436, 736 of the sheet. In some examples, the sheet 132, 432, 732 iswrapped around the barrel 102 such that the third edge 138, 438 and thefourth edge 140, 440 overlap.

So arranged, the user may practice swinging the bat 100 with the sheet132, 432, 732 coupled thereto. The user may use the sheet 132, 432, 732during training to assist with identifying the proper location along thebarrel 102 of the bat 100 to make contact with the ball. In exampleswhere the sheet 132, 432, 732 includes a visually distinct, contrastingcharacteristic, the user may adjust their form and/or positioningmid-swing to ensure the desired region (i.e., the sweet spot) of the bat100 contacts the ball. Further, the adhesive of the sheet 132, 432, 732may be arranged to selectively secure the sheet 132, 432, 732 from thebat 100. Because the adhesive may not permanently adhere the sheet 132,432, 732 to the bat 100, the sheet 132, 432, 732 may be repositionedand/or readjusted after the sheet 132, 432, 732 is placed on the bat100.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety ofmodifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect tothe above described examples without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention(s) disclosed herein, and that such modifications,alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambitof the inventive concept(s). For example, although the variousembodiments describe applying a marking feature to a baseball bat, thesystems and approaches described herein may assist with identificationof a minimum vibration region of other sports implements (e.g., aracquet, cricket bat, etc.). In such examples, the marking system can beapplied to the minimum vibration region of the sports implement.Further, it is appreciated that in some examples, the sheet may beadapted to cover a portion of the circumference of the sports implement.

What is claimed is:
 1. A marking system for a baseball bat, comprising:a bat including a barrel extending along a central longitudinal axis,the barrel defining a minimal vibration region; a sheet having a firstedge, a second edge positioned opposite the first edge, a third edgepositioned between the first and the second edges, and a fourth edgepositioned opposite the third edge, the first edge having a firstcurvature and the second edge having a second curvature, the sheetadapted to at least partially encircle a portion of the barrel of thebat; a first positioning feature disposed on the sheet; and a firstalignment feature disposed proximate the first edge of the sheet,wherein the first positioning feature is configured to be positionedadjacent to at least a portion of the minimal vibration region.
 2. Themarking system of claim 1, further comprising a second alignment featuredisposed proximate the second edge opposite the first alignment feature.3. The marking system of claim 2, further comprising a sheet axisdisposed through at least two of the first positioning feature, thefirst alignment feature, or the second alignment feature, the sheet axisbeing positioned parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the barrelupon at least partially encircling a portion thereof.
 4. The markingsystem of claim 2, wherein the first alignment feature and the secondalignment feature are die cut in the sheet.
 5. The marking system ofclaim 1, wherein the first curvature is different than the secondcurvature.
 6. The marking system of claim 5, wherein the first curvatureis greater than the second curvature.
 7. The marking system of claim 1,wherein the sheet includes an adhesive to secure the sheet to the bat.8. The marking system of claim 1, wherein the first positioning featureis die-cut in the sheet.
 9. The marking system of claim 1, wherein thefirst positioning feature is centrally disposed on the sheet.
 10. Asheet for identifying a minimal vibration region of a sports implement,comprising: a sheet having a first edge, second edge, third edge, and afourth edge; a first indicia disposed on the sheet; and a second indiciadisposed on the sheet, proximate the first edge of the sheet.
 11. Thesheet of claim 10, further comprising a third indicia disposed proximatethe second edge opposite the second indicia.
 12. The sheet of claim 11,further comprising a sheet axis disposed through at least two of thefirst indicia, the second indicia, or the third indicia.
 13. The sheetof claim 12, wherein the sheet axis is disposed perpendicular to atleast a portion of the first edge or the second edge.
 14. The sheet ofclaim 11, wherein the second indicia and the third indicia eachcomprises a marking disposed on the sheet.
 15. The sheet of claim 10,wherein the first indicia is centrally disposed on the sheet.
 16. Thesheet of claim 10, wherein the first edge has a first curvature and thesecond edge has a second curvature.
 17. The sheet of claim 16, whereinthe first curvature is different than the second curvature.
 18. Thesheet of claim 17, wherein the first curvature is greater than thesecond curvature.
 19. The sheet of claim 10, wherein the sheet includesan adhesive.
 20. The sheet of claim 19, wherein the adhesive selectivelysecures the sheet to the bat.
 21. A sheet for identifying contact withminimal vibration region of a sports implement, comprising: a sheethaving a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge; afirst positioning feature disposed on the sheet; a first alignmentfeature disposed on the sheet, proximate the first edge of the sheet;and a pressure sensitive material configured to change coloration whensubjected to an external pressure.
 22. The sheet of claim 21, whereinthe pressure sensitive material is a mechanochromic polymer.
 23. Thesheet of claim 21, wherein the pressure sensitive material is disposedproximate the first positioning feature between the third edge and thefourth edge.
 24. The marking system of claim 21, further comprising asecond alignment feature disposed proximate the second edge opposite thesecond marking feature.